Asbestosis Mesothelioma Information

Asbestos Link From Welding Rods To Mesothelioma

noreply@blogger.com (Arina) — Thu, 03 Feb 2011 12:45:00 +0000

Do you read all of the blogs published by medicineworld.org? Many of our bloggers are busy keeping you updated on the various health related topics. We publish the following blogs at this time.

Cancer blog: I manage the cancer blog with lots of help and support form other bloggers. Through this cancer blog my friends and I try to bring stories of hope for patients with cancer. The cancer blog often republishes important blog posts from other cancer related blogs at Medicineworld.org. If you are searching for a blog that covers wide variety of cancer topics, this may be the one for you.

Breast cancer blog: Breast cancer blog is run by Emily and other bloggers and they bring you the latest stories, news and events that are related to breast cancer. Increasing awareness about breast cancer among women and in the general population is the main goal of this breast cancer blog.

Lung cancer blog: Lung cancer blog is managed by Scott with the help of other bloggers. Through this blog Scott and his friends constantly remind the readers about the dangers of smoking. It's a never-ending struggle against this miserable disease with which a social stigma of smoking is associated.

Colon cancer blog: Colon cancer blog is run by Sue and other bloggers. Sue brings a personal touch to the colon cancer blog since her mother died of colon cancer few years ago. She writes about stories, research news and advances in treatment related to colon cancer.

Prostate cancer blog: Prostate cancer is the most common cancer among American men. American Cancer Society estimates that over 230,000 new cases of prostate cancer occur in the United state every year. This important blog about prostate cancer is run by Mark and other bloggers. This blog brings news, stories, and other personal observations related to prostate cancer.

Medicineworld.org publishes a diabetes watch blog and this blog is run by JoAnn other bloggers. This diabetes watch blog brings you the latest in the field of diabetes. This includes personal stories, advances in diagnosis and treatment, and other observations about diabetes. Improving awareness about diabetes is an important mission of this group.

Janet

This case has been pending in New York State appeals court for some time, but on Dec. 29th in a first-ever jury finding that asbestos-containing welding rods, sold in the billions up to the early 1980's, had caused lung cancer and mesothelioma. Attorney Jerome H. Block of the nationally known mass toxic tort law firm of Levy Phillips and Konigsberg has recently made this announcement.

This New York Supreme Court, Appellate Division, First, upheld the July 2003 jury verdict in favor of, Angel Gomez, who died following the trial, and the late Daniel Tucker. Both men worked with and around asbestos-containing welding rods. The jury awarded Gomez a total of approximately $3.19 million against Lincoln Electric Company. Jury however, reduced 25 percent of the compensation percent since Gomez was a cigarette smoker. Tucker's estate was awarded a total of approximately $3.5 million split between Lincoln and Hobart Brothers Company.

The welding rods at issue in the Gomez and Tucker cases continue to be a top-selling, all-purpose welding rod. Up to the early part of 1980s, these rods were coated with a mixture containing 5% to 15% asbestos, according to trial testimony.

Source: Washington University in St.Louis - School of Medicine

Did you know?
This case has been pending in New York State appeals court for some time, but on Dec. 29th in a first-ever jury finding that asbestos-containing welding rods, sold in the billions up to the early 1980's, had caused lung cancer and mesothelioma. Attorney Jerome H. Block of the nationally known mass toxic tort law firm of Levy Phillips and Konigsberg has recently made this announcement.

View the original article here

Carbon Nanotubes Could Have Asbestos-Like Health Complications

noreply@blogger.com (Arina) — Wed, 02 Feb 2011 12:45:00 +0000

A recent laboratory study has shed new light on the possibility of a nexus between carbon nanotube exposure and the asbestos-like health effects.

Carbon nanotubes are molecular-level structures that are now being used in thousands of products from tennis rackets and hair dryers to computer chips and electronics. They are renowned for their unparalleled strength and remarkably low mass, and were seen by a number of as the next frontier of product durability.

The study, which involved laboratory mice, indicated that upon introduction into the lower abdomen, nanotubes had virtually identical effects as asbestos fibers. When inhaled or ingested, asbestos fibers will become lodged in the pleural lining of the body's internal organs.

Over time, these fibers cause a sustained inflammation of the internal tissue. This inflammation is usually linked to the beginning stages of asbestosis and mesothelioma, a rare form of cancer now only attributed to asbestos exposure.

Like asbestos fibers, nanotubes are extremely durable and cannot be broken down or expelled by natural body function.

While there is no immediate reason for concern, (most nanotubes are securely adhered within structural compounds) there is certainly justification for further research. Those who may potentially be endangered are those who work in the manufacture of these products as well as those who encounter damaged products.

Posted by: Scott

Did you know?
A recent laboratory study has shed new light on the possibility of a nexus between carbon nanotube exposure and the asbestos-like health effects. Carbon nanotubes are molecular-level structures that are now being used in thousands of products from tennis rackets and hair dryers to computer chips and electronics. They are renowned for their unparalleled strength and remarkably low mass, and were seen by a number of as the next frontier of product durability.

View the original article here

French Court Allows Asbestos Warship Transfer

noreply@blogger.com (Arina) — Tue, 01 Feb 2011 12:45:00 +0000

Do you read all of the blogs published by medicineworld.org? Many of our bloggers are busy keeping you updated on the various health related topics. We publish the following blogs at this time.

Janet

Asbestos was commonly used in ship building The asbestos warship will soon start to its destination in India. A judge at the Paris administrative court ruled that the four groups had raised "no serious doubts" about the legality of the aircraft-carrier Clemenceau's transfer for decontamination in a shipyard in India.

A French court paved the way for a decommissioned warship insulated with asbestos to be sent for scrapping in India, after rejecting petitions by campaigners trying to block its transfer.

French authorities were waiting for the legal green light to tow the ship, currently docked at the French naval base of Toulon, to Alang in northwestern India, home to the world's biggest ship-breaking yard.

"In theory, the Clemenceau can leave," said Joel Alquezar, who represented the French state in court.

Environmentalist group Greenpeace and three anti-asbestos groups have tried for months to block the operation, on the grounds that Indian shipyard workers are not properly protected from the hazards of working with asbestos, which can cause a form of lung cancer.

The groups reject the state's assessment of the amount of asbestos still left inside the Clemenceau, which they estimate at around 100 tonnes.

Lawyers for the campaigners insisted the fight was not over, and said they were considering an appeal to the State Council, France's highest court -- eventhough such an appeal would not prevent the ship's departure.

Marine authorities in Toulon said on Thursday the Clemenceau was ready to leave as soon as it was authorised to do so.

Source: MD Anderson Cancer Center

Did you know?
The asbestos warship will soon start to its destination in India. A judge at the Paris administrative court ruled that the four groups had raised "no serious doubts" about the legality of the aircraft-carrier Clemenceau's transfer for decontamination in a shipyard in India.

View the original article here

Incredible Story Of Paul Kraus

noreply@blogger.com (Arina) — Mon, 31 Jan 2011 12:45:00 +0000

What would be more inspiring for mesothelioma patients than listening to the longest mesothelioma survivor in the world? Do you know Paul Kraus? He is the inspiration behind a number of patients with the diagnosis of one of the deadliest forms of cancer called mesothelioma. I have been personally moved by his story.

It was in one those days in June 1997, Paul Kraus was diagnosed with mesothelioma. That has changed his world forever. The cancer was so widespread that he was told there was little hope and that he should go home and get his affairs in order. Fearful and depressed, but not ready to give up, he researched various therapy options. Unlike a number of Paul was not willing to give an unconditional surrender to the one of the most devastating forms of cancer. With the help of his doctors and family, Paul Kraus created his own remarkable path to healing. Today, over nine years later, he continues to enjoy a good quality of life.

"Dr. Andrew Weil wrote that any illness can be conquered through radical lifestyle change because our bodies are made with powerful self-healing capacities. It was hard to make such radical changes, but I was determined to see them through," Paul Kraus said.

During this teleconference, mesothelioma patients and their loved ones can listen to Mr. Kraus summarize his knowledge and insight into this disease. He will discuss how he handled his diagnosis, what he learned about the cancer, and the steps he took to heal his mesothelioma. Subjects include: chemotherapy, surgery, holistic approaches, integrative therapies, vitamins and other supplements, traditional Chinese medicine, mind-body medicine, doctor-patient relationships, and more. Participants can also ask questions of Mr. Kraus and share information and knowledge with each other.

Posted by: Scott Source

View the original article here

Jury Finds Chrysotile Asbestos Causes Rare Peritoneal Mesothelioma

noreply@blogger.com (Arina) — Sun, 30 Jan 2011 12:45:00 +0000

A jury awarded over $1.9 million to a 71-year-old retired sheet metal worker, Genaro Garcia, who developed peritoneal mesothelioma from his prior on-the-job exposure to asbestos (Genaro Garcia and Dalia Garcia v. Duro Dyne Corporation, SF Superior Court, #418098). Peritoneal mesothelioma is an aggressive form of cancer that first attacks the membranes lining the stomach. This fatal disease is almost always caused by asbestos exposure.

The defendant, Duro Dyne Corporation, is a former manufacturer and distributor of asbestos-containing flex HVAC duct connectors and duct sealer used for sheet metal duct connections. Mr. Garcia worked with Duro Dyne Corporation's asbestos-containing sheet metal products throughout his 48-year career, but was never advised to wear any form of respiratory protection. Experts testified that he was exposed to hazardous levels of asbestos, and that each exposure was a substantial factor that contributed to his risk of developing an asbestos-related disease.

Mr. Garcia learned that he had peritoneal mesothelioma in late 2002. After over two years of treatment with chemotherapy, including Alimta®, his cancer is currently in a temporary state of remission. Mr. Garcia traveled with his wife by car from Whittier, California, to testify at the San Francisco trial. He was unable to travel by plane due to the severe side effects of his chemotherapy regime.

The verdict against Duro Dyne Corporation consisted of $325,369 for past and future medical expenses, $530,250 for lost earning capacity, and $1.05 million in non-economic damages. Non-economic damages included $300,000 to Mrs. Garcia for loss of consortium.

"We are grateful that the jury rejected the defense claims that chrysotile asbestos does not cause all mesothelioma, including peritoneal, and that Mr. Garcia is somehow cured of this terrible and entirely preventable disease. Only in a courtroom would you hear such things," said Mr. Garcia's attorney, Gilbert Purcell, after the verdict.

Gilbert Purcell and Crystal Howard of Brayton Purcell in Novato, California, represented plaintiffs Genaro and Delia Garcia at trial. Duro Dyne Corporation was represented at trial by James Sinunu and Thomas Trapani of Adams Nye Sinunu Bruni Becht LLP of San Francisco, CA.

About Brayton Purcell
For over 20 years, Brayton Purcell has helped clients protect their legal rights in the face of devastating losses such as illness, injuries, and harm to family members. The law firm enjoys a national reputation for the high quality of its personal injury and product liability work, particularly in the area of mesothelioma and other asbestos-related cancers. For more information, call 415-898-1555 or visit our firm web site at http://www.braytonlaw.com. For mesothelioma legal and medical news as well as information about mesothelioma diagnosis and treatment, see our specialty web site, Mesothelioma Network, at http://www.mesotheliomasite.com.

Did you know?
A jury awarded over $1.9 million to a 71-year-old retired sheet metal worker, Genaro Garcia, who developed peritoneal mesothelioma from his prior on-the-job exposure to asbestos (Genaro Garcia and Dalia Garcia v. Duro Dyne Corporation, SF Superior Court, #418098). Peritoneal mesothelioma is an aggressive form of cancer that first attacks the membranes lining the stomach. This fatal disease is almost always caused by asbestos exposure.

View the original article here

Links Between Taconite And Mesothelioma

noreply@blogger.com (Arina) — Sat, 29 Jan 2011 12:45:00 +0000

The Minnesota Department of Health is launching two major studies to answer long-simmering questions about taconite and human health.

The agency says men in northeastern Minnesota have twice the expected rate of a rare form of cancer called mesothelioma.

It's caused by asbestos, but the Health Department wants to find out whether it can also be caused by fibers in the taconite on the Iron Range.

Duluth, Minn. - Mining, and processing taconite, are dirty, dusty jobs. It's hard to avoid breathing the dust from the taconite, which is crushed to the consistency of talcum powder. And asbestos is still used in some older furnaces and other equipment.
A 240 ton truck carries taconite rock to the crusher building at Hibbing Taconite. (MPR Photo/Bob Kelleher)
Jim Kelly retired three years ago from the Northshore mine at Silver Bay. He has a spot on one lung that's probably a precursor to asbestosis. It's a disease that causes shortness of breath and chronic coughing, and indicates an increased risk of lung cancer.

But he's not about to blame taconite for that. He worked in other industries, and was exposed to asbestos on several jobs. He's heard claims about the dangers of taconite for 30 years, and he doesn't think they're based on much.

"It appears to me that the scientific community and the medical community cannot come to agreement on what is the specific hazard here," he says. "At least I have to date never heard anything specific."

Now the Minnesota Department of Health is going to try to find the answers.

Posted by: Scott Source

View the original article here

Looking Forward To Asbestos Ban

noreply@blogger.com (Arina) — Fri, 28 Jan 2011 12:45:00 +0000

A deal is near on legislation banning the use of asbestos, a fibrous mineral often used in brake linings, gaskets, cement products and even yarns and threads imported into the country despite its deadly health risks.

Sen. Patty Murray, D-Wash., a leading advocate of the ban, and Sen. Johnny Isakson, R-Ga., said Tuesday that they are within a week or two of wrapping up a compromise that also would authorize $50 million in research to combat the health effects that have killed as a number of as 231,000 people since 1980 and could claim at least that a number of more by 2040.

The measure has a long road ahead: It must be approved by the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee, then be approved by the full Senate. Then the House of Representatives would have to take up the issue.

But for Murray, Tuesday's committee hearing where the deal was announced was a milestone. It was the first time in the six years she has been pressing for the ban that it had reached the full committee, and the first time passage seems within reach.

"It's shocking to me that it has taken six years, and the deaths of several close friends," Murray said afterward.

The panel's chairwoman, Sen. Barbara Boxer, D-Calif., joined Murray in introducing the ban bill earlier this year.

Some of the research money also could go toward identifying the health risks of breathing in naturally occurring asbestos, a major concern in places like El Dorado County, Calif., where the mineral can be sent airborne by construction equipment and travel on unpaved roads.

Boxer said that despite the well-established health threats of asbestos, worldwide use of it is increasing.

"World production of asbestos actually increased in 2005, from 2.36 million metric tons in 2004 to 2.4 million metric tons in 2005," she said. And while the last U.S. mine closed in 2002, Boxer said 2,530 metric tons were imported into the country in 2005, along with 90,000 metric tons of products containing it.

Posted by: Scott Source

View the original article here

Phase III Clinical Trial on Pleural Mesothelioma

noreply@blogger.com (Arina) — Wed, 26 Jan 2011 12:45:00 +0000

Do you read all of the blogs published by medicineworld.org? Many of our bloggers are busy keeping you updated on the various health related topics. We publish the following blogs at this time.

Janet

Emory Winship Cancer Institute will be one of two facilities in Georgia to conduct a phase III clinical trial of Vorinostat (oral suberoylanilide hydromaxic acid) in patients with advanced cancerous pleural mesothelioma. The purpose of the study is to test the safety and efficacy of Vorinostat as well as to compare the overall survival associated with therapy of the drug.

A rare but devastating disease, it is estimated that 2,000 to 3,000 new mesothelioma cases will be diagnosed each year in the United States. Mesothelioma is cancer of the cells found in the mesothelium, which is the protective lining covering most of the internal organs of the body. Pleural mesothelioma is the most common type of mesothelioma, and it is identified by the presence of malignant cells located in the tissue outside of the lungs and inside of the ribs.

Vorinostat is an experimental drug that is believed to work against cancer cells. When cells become malignant, chemical reactions inside the cancer cell allow those cells to multiply out of control. Vorinostat may stop the growth of tumor cells by blocking some of the enzymes needed for cell growth.

The principal investigator on the Vorinostat clinical trial at Winship is Dong M. Shin, MD, Professor of Hematology/Oncology and Otolaryngology; Director of Clinical and Translational Cancer Prevention Programs; and Co-Director of the Lung and Aerodigestive Tract Malignancies Program at Emory Winship Cancer Institute. Dr. Shin joined Winship in 2003 after more than 15 years as a faculty member at M.D. Anderson Cancer Center in Houston and the University of Pittsburgh Cancer Institute.

"This is a very important study for this terrible disease," said Dr. Shin. "As a second line treatment, there are currently no options other than this clinical trial."

Eligibility for the Vorinostat clinical trial requires a diagnosis of unidimensionally measurable cancerous pleural mesothelioma, which has progressed or relapsed following therapy with pemetrexed in combination with either Cisplastin or Carboplatin. For more information about this trial, contact Martha Forrester at 404-778-5849.

Source: Emory University

Did you know?
Emory Winship Cancer Institute will be one of two facilities in Georgia to conduct a phase III clinical trial of Vorinostat (oral suberoylanilide hydromaxic acid) in patients with advanced cancerous pleural mesothelioma. The purpose of the study is to test the safety and efficacy of Vorinostat as well as to compare the overall survival associated with therapy of the drug.

View the original article here

School Shut Amid Fears Of Asbestos

noreply@blogger.com (Arina) — Tue, 25 Jan 2011 12:45:00 +0000

Officials conducted air-quality tests at a borough elementary school Friday evening, hours after smoke in its basement forced an evacuation and prompted an asbestos scare.

Results of the tests at Merritt Memorial School were not available Friday night, but borough officials said the tests were merely precautionary. The officials said they expected classes to resume on Monday.

"Right now, we plan on having everyone at Merritt Monday, but I will know better once I get the test results," Superintendent Charles Khoury said.

There were conflicting reports throughout the day Friday as to what transpired in a small area under the school gymnasium where contractors were conducting demolition work as part of a renovation project. County officials at first said no asbestos had been disturbed, but borough police said there had indeed been a "fibrous release" of the carcinogenic substance, which was once used in insulation and fireproofing.

Posted by: Scott Source

Did you know?
Officials conducted air-quality tests at a borough elementary school Friday evening, hours after smoke in its basement forced an evacuation and prompted an asbestos scare. Results of the tests at Merritt Memorial School were not available Friday night, but borough officials said the tests were merely precautionary. The officials said they expected classes to resume on Monday.

View the original article here

Second International Mesothelioma Symposium

noreply@blogger.com (Arina) — Mon, 24 Jan 2011 12:45:00 +0000

Fresh evidence of progress in the diagnosis and treatment of an aggressive asbestos-related cancer was the highlight of the Second International Symposium on Cancerous Mesothelioma last week. Long considered lethal, meso is a tumor that invades the linings of the lungs, abdomen, heart or testicles. The Mesothelioma Applied Research Foundation (MARF) organizes the annual symposium, held this year in Las Vegas Nevada, to unite the meso community and focus on curing the disease.

Advances in detection, multimodal treatment, gene therapy, and immunotherapy were among the topics that thrilled the audience. Ann Ferrero, whose mother was diagnosed with meso a year ago, admitted that "Last year my entire family reeled from the shock." The information presented at the symposium, however, left her feeling -- in her own words, "moved, grateful . and, dare I say . hopeful!".

The symposium is unique in that it brings together doctors, scientists, advocates, meso patients and families to learn from each other and exchange research results, study findings, and review progress. MARF Director of Communications, and 4 year pleural meso survivor, Klaus Brauch, stated that "the most important sign of progress for me was that we are now talking about second-line treatments, something of great interest to those of us concerned about recurrences. A few years ago just surviving first-line treatment was an achievement." MARF, which has awarded over two million dollars of meso research funding, continues to be the only independent non-profit organization actively working to eradicate meso as a life-ending disease.

Attendees were able to meet and ask questions of some of the world's leading meso experts. Ferrero commented that "the ability to interact with the medical community on such an informal level was unique. I came back with several leads for my mom." In addition, over thirty meso patients, including numerous long-term survivors, were in attendance. Ferrero found meeting them to be "uplifting," and when she met the dedicated staff of MARF she found them to be "clearly devoted to curing this disease.".

The symposium also featured presentation of the Pioneer Award, an award MARF introduced this year to honor companies that have made substantial contributions to the field of meso research. Alfacell CEO Kuslima Shogen, one of the recipients, stated that "it is a great honor to receive one of the first MARF Pioneer Awards," and promised to "continue to work with [MARF] on the mission to find a cure." Other companies recognized with the Pioneer Award were Eli Lilly, Merck, Biogen Idec, Fujirebio Diagnostics, Genentech and Novartis.

MARF also held a poignant tribute ceremony dedicated to the lives and memory of meso patients lost to the cancer. Against the backdrop of a huge memorial wall, the names of the deceased were read by loved ones and candles were lit to commemorate their lives and their presence in spirit with the mission to cure the disease. Break out sessions for care givers, for patients, and for the bereaved allowed each one to focus on the specific needs of their group and exchange concerns in a safe and nurturing environment.

This year's winner of MARF's annual "Congressman Bruce Vento Hope Builder Award" was none other than the founder of MARF, Roger Worthington, without whose vision and hard work over the last six years neither MARF nor this unique symposium would exist. The awarded was presented by MARF Board of Directors member Susan Vento. Her husband, Minnesota congressman Bruce Vento -- who died from meso in 2000, was beloved for his work to build hope for overlooked communities. Worthington was honored for working, in much the same way, to create hope for the overlooked community of meso patients and those at risk by focusing on the need for effective treatments. The gala reception featured a stirring performance by recording artist Jordan Zevon, whose father, musician and composer Warren Zevon, died of mesothelioma in 2003.

The symposium was made possible through the generosity of financial supporters Eli Lilly, Simmons Cooper, Waters and Kraus, Stanley, Mandel and Iola, Bergman and Frockt, The David Law Firm, Merck, Alfacell Corporation, and Fujirebio Diagnostics. Attendees, whether patients, doctors, caregivers or industry executives, were all moved by the tributes, inspired by the presentations and energized by the resolve of presenters, the organizers and the audience to continue to fight for a cure for this terrible cancer. Planning for next year's symposium is already underway, and details should be announced soon.

For further information visit www.marf.org, or contact MARF Executive Director Chris Hahn (c-hahn@marf.org, 805.560.8942), or MARF Communications Director Klaus Brauch (k-brauch@marf.org, 714.969.1481).

Did you know?
Fresh evidence of progress in the diagnosis and treatment of an aggressive asbestos-related cancer was the highlight of the Second International Symposium on Cancerous Mesothelioma last week. Long considered lethal, meso is a tumor that invades the linings of the lungs, abdomen, heart or testicles. The Mesothelioma Applied Research Foundation (MARF) organizes the annual symposium, held this year in Las Vegas Nevada, to unite the meso community and focus on curing the disease.

View the original article here

Strong Against Proposed Asbestos Mesothelioma Legislation

noreply@blogger.com (Arina) — Sun, 23 Jan 2011 12:45:00 +0000

Mesothelioma.com today announced its dissenting opinion on the recent asbestos bill soon to come before congress. Mesothelioma.com has reviewed the recent asbestos bill proposed by Sen. Arlen Spector and Sen. Patrick Leahy (news, bio, voting record) and has come out strongly against the proposed bill. We believe the bill is unworkable, under-funded, and unconstitutional.

While legislation proposed in Washington, D.C., by Pennsylvania Senator, Arlen Specter, on its face seems to allay a number of issues regarding litigation over asbestos-related disease, the Asbestos Bill actually raises impossible hurdles for victims and bails out politically well-connected corporations.

Senator Specter acknowledges that he can't pass a 'perfect' bill, but offers little solace to the mesothelioma victims who'll die before they see any help from the fundamentally flawed asbestos bailout bill approved by the Judiciary Committee.

Every major asbestos victims' organization opposes this bill, while being supported by the corporate defendants who knowingly poisoned their workers and the public with asbestos and would receive billions of dollars in liability relief.

A few of the fundamental problems with the fund include: The fund is under-funded by at least $16 billion (according to the CBO) and possibly as much as $49 billion (analysis by asbestos claims expert Mark Peterson) or even $100 billion (Environmental Working Group). Bankruptcy of the fund and taxpayer bailout is likely.Every single similar government trust fund has failed.In its current form the fund will immediately be mired in litigation from existing asbestos trusts, insurance companies, small businesses, and the thousands of victims unfairly excluded from the fund.By moving all pending claims into the fund, the fund is guaranteed to have a huge backlog at startup.Victims with community exposure and 9/11 victims - even firefighters, police, and emergency workers - are barred from receiving any compensation. The disparity between their treatment and the treatment of similar victims in Libby, Montana is likely unconstitutional.There is no real sunset process for victims to return to the courts when the fund becomes bankrupt.While treating unfairly or shutting out those poisoned by asbestos, the companies that poisoned them are rewarded with a multi-billion dollar bailout.
Mesothelioma.com plans to inform its readers on the progress of the bill in the senate and the house, throughout the month of January. More information about the bill can be found at http://www.mesothelioma.com . Call your local Senator or Congressman and let them know you oppose bill S.852.

Mesothelioma.com
Steve Rinaldi
800-411-3359

Did you know?
Mesothelioma.com today announced its dissenting opinion on the recent asbestos bill soon to come before congress. Mesothelioma.com has reviewed the recent asbestos bill proposed by Sen. Arlen Spector and Sen. Patrick Leahy (news, bio, voting record) and has come out strongly against the proposed bill. We believe the bill is unworkable, under-funded, and unconstitutional.

View the original article here

Suggest your News Item To Medicineworld

noreply@blogger.com (Arina) — Sat, 22 Jan 2011 12:45:00 +0000

As you are aware we are the leading publishers of health news on the web. We publish news items in various forms including numerous blogs and news items. We invite you to participate in our new collection.

We are looking for quality news items that would be interesting to our readers. Now you may suggest the news item from your site to be included at Medicineworld.org. Inclusion of news item at our site get instantaneous attention since the item is illustrated from various blog posts. Addition of pictures to the item adds additional attraction to your news item. Inclusion in the Medicineworld.org site brings quality links and visitors to your site.

If you have an interesting news item related to health, share it with Medicineworld.org and we share it with the world.

Suggest your News Item To Medicineworld

Please use this link to suggest a news item from your site for review and inclusion to our collection of blog posts.

Did you know?
As you are aware we are the leading publishers of health news on the web. We publish news items in various forms including numerous blogs and news items. We invite you to participate in our new collection. We are looking for quality news items that would be interesting to our readers. Now you may suggest the news item from your site to be included at Medicineworld.org. Inclusion of news item at our site get instantaneous attention since the item is illustrated from various blog posts. Addition of pictures to the item adds additional attraction to your news item. Inclusion in the Medicineworld.org site brings quality links and visitors to your site.

View the original article here

What are the risk factors for mesothelioma?

noreply@blogger.com (Arina) — Fri, 21 Jan 2011 12:45:00 +0000

Working with asbestos is the major risk factor for mesothelioma. A history of asbestos exposure at work is reported in about 70 percent to 80 percent of all cases. However, mesothelioma has been reported in some individuals without any known exposure to asbestos. History of exposure to various other chemicals have been found in some of these patients, but majority of these patients have no understandable risk factors for mesothelioma.

Asbestos is the name of a group of minerals that occur naturally as masses of strong, flexible fibers that can be separated into thin threads and woven. Asbestos has been widely used in many industrial products, including cement, brake linings, roof shingles, flooring products, textiles, and insulation. If tiny asbestos particles float in the air, especially during the manufacturing process, they may be inhaled or swallowed, and can cause serious health problems. In addition to mesothelioma, exposure to asbestos increases the risk of lung cancer, asbestosis (a non-cancerous, chronic lung ailment), and other cancers, such as those of the larynx and kidney.

Smoking does not appear to increase the risk of mesothelioma. However, the combination of smoking and asbestos exposure significantly increases a person's risk of developing lung cancer and cancers of many other areas of the body including the air passage areas. Read about risk factors for the development of mesothelioma.

Did you know?
Working with asbestos is the major risk factor for mesothelioma. A history of asbestos exposure at work is reported in about 70 percent to 80 percent of all cases. However, mesothelioma has been reported in some individuals without any known exposure to asbestos. History of exposure to various other chemicals have been found in some of these patients, but majority of these patients have no understandable risk factors for mesothelioma.

View the original article here

Targeting Mesothelioma

noreply@blogger.com (Arina) — Tue, 11 Jan 2011 12:45:00 +0000

There is exciting news for patients with mesothelioma in the making. Two pharmaceutical companies have started a clinical phase II clinical trial to test the efficacy and activity of a new drug in mesothelioma. This new drug is named as PXD101. This is a small molecule histone deacetylase inhibitor.

National Cancer Institute is sponsoring the current clinical trial with CuraGen. Those who are having a diagnosis of mesothelioma, which is not removable by surgery and who have failed at least one line of chemotherapy are eligible for the clinical trial. The drug PXD101 is given by intravenous infusion once every three weeks.

The researchers are trying to determine if the drug PXD101 has any significant activity on mesothelioma in terms of clinical response. The study is also aimed at determining the safety of the drug and time to treatment failure. The study would also look for any survival advantage resulting from the use of the drug.

Researchers are planning to enroll a total of 37 patients at different sites across the United States.

Histone deacetylase inhibitors have the ability to down-regulate genes such as BCL-XL and VEGF and up-regulate cell-cycle regulating genes, including p21. Researchers say that they are excited to begin the trial and would evaluate PXD101 as a potential treatment for mesothelioma.

Sadly, there are no proven therapies available for patients who have progressed on the first line chemotherapy. PXD101 is expected to take this vacant position in the treatment algorithm.

Did you know?
There is exciting news for patients with mesothelioma in the making. Two pharmaceutical companies have started a clinical phase II clinical trial to test the efficacy and activity of a new drug in mesothelioma. This new drug is named as PXD101. This is a small molecule histone deacetylase inhibitor.

View the original article here

Mesothelioma and Asbestosis Hard to Diagnosis in Asbestos Exposed Smokers

noreply@blogger.com (Arina) — Tue, 21 Apr 2009 08:46:00 +0000

Mesothelioma and asbestosis, the scarring diseases caused from asbestos exposure, typically take years to fester within a body before symptoms become visible. Filling your lungs with smoke if you've been exposed to asbestos will hasten asbestos disease and expose you to additional medical testing to properly diagnose your disease. It will also take years off of your life.

Asbestos and smoke are a deadly combination that hastens the onset of painful and fatal lung cancers.

Lung diseases such as asbestosis, pulmonary fibrosis, pleural disease, lung cancer and mesothelioma are caused by asbestos. The symptoms of these asbestos caused diseases are so similar to the lung diseases and cancers caused by smoking, that proper diagnosis is difficult. Treatment for mesothelioma or other asbestos caused diseases begin too late because of earlier misdiagnosis. With most cancers, and mesothelioma treatment in particular, early diagnosis and treatment is crucial to survival. A late diagnosis and treatment of mesothelioma because an asbestos caused disease was mistaken for a smoking-related disease can take years off of your life, and lead to harsh and painful living during your last few years.

Medical research has also shown that smoking will hasten the attack of mesothelioma because of the internal damage caused by the toxic elements of cigarettes. Cigarette toxins eat away at your lungs. Asbestos fibers can then gain early entry into your vulnerable lungs and quickly take over or assist the cigarette toxins in creating your lung disease or cancer. Not smoking will not protect you from asbestos disease or mesothelioma, but it can reduce the severity and pain of mesothelioma and other asbestos caused diseases - and add years on to your life. If you don't smoke and you have had exposure to asbestos, diagnosis will be swifter and you will be subject to less medical testing. Your chances of developing secondary lung diseases are substantially reduced.

Mesothelioma symptoms and lung disease symptoms from smoking typically both start with shortness of breath and trouble breathing. A productive cough typically follows, and the shortness of breath and the productive cough slowly worsen and persist. Because mesothelioma symptoms progress slowly, there is time to make a proper diagnosis if early treatment is sought. If the symptoms are ignored and are merely accepted as a side-effect of smoking, the disease has more time to become uncontrollable, and the asbestos disease will soon have control over you.

Mesothelioma affects the lining of internal organs, in a membrane called the mesothelium - hence the cancer name mesothelioma. This membrane does not affect just your lungs, it can affect most of your internal organs. Once mesothelioma symptoms of the lungs surface, such as breathing difficulties and productive coughs, the next step is typically an attack around the heart. Mesothelioma symptoms will then include chest pain, along with respiratory problems. This too can be misinterpreted as a sign of a smoking related disease, or a sign of old age or other heart and lung ailments. Mesothelioma is rare, and doctors will test according to the most likely disease to occur based on the symptoms. Because of that, it is very important to mention to your doctor your exposure to asbestos at your first visit.

Mesothelioma symptoms are slow to surface, and difficult to diagnose. Smoking while being exposed to asbestos will make proper diagnosis of mesothelioma difficult, and proper treatment may come too late to be of any benefit other than pain reduction and respiratory control. Mesothelioma is a cancer caused by asbestos, not cigarettes - but cigarettes will make your mesothelioma worse. Don't let the fibers of asbestos and the toxins of cigarettes team up on your lungs. Quit smoking and stay away from asbestos. If you must be exposed to asbestos, wear proper protection and don't smoke. Don't rush the disease, diagnose it. And you can't diagnose the disease fast enough unless you quit smoking.

The website provides mesothelioma information, such as

mesothelioma symptoms, mesothelioma treatments and mesothelioma stages. The site also provided details

information about different type of mesothelioma: Malignant Mesothelioma, Pleural Mesothelioma, Pericardial mesothelioma and Peritoneal mesothelioma.

Brand Smith

Asbestos, Mesothelioma, Cancer and Metal Workers - The Facts

noreply@blogger.com (Arina) — Sun, 19 Apr 2009 08:44:00 +0000

Asbestos was once marveled as the "miracle fiber" of the 20th century. Its heat and fire resistant properties made it an obvious choice for use in places where extremely high temperatures were part of job. Nowhere is this more prevalent than in the metal working industry. Plants that manufacture steel and aluminum often used asbestos in a number of different applications to help protect against fire and heat. The use of asbestos in this industry probably saved many lives, but that is no excuse to ignore the harmful and hazardous attributes of asbestos, or the mesothelioma cancer that is linked to it.

Some workers in these plants even wore asbestos clothing to help combat the extremely high temperatures. Asbestos was used to make pants, shirts, gloves, and even face masks. Cancer is linked to this type of close exposure to asbestos. Such exposure is extremely dangerous and made it very easy for the average worker to inhale hazardous asbestos fibers.

If you or a loved one was exposed to asbestos by a career in metal works it is important to be examined by a doctor for possible asbestos related problems and mesothelioma cancer. Early detection of mesothelioma and other asbestos related ailments can drastically change the prognosis for the affected individual and offer physicians a much wider variety of treatment options.

It is important to learn the facts and risks and mesothelioma, cancer and asbestos. Ask your doctor if you have concerns, or look for more information online. Don't become a victim to this deathly substance.

Bruce Peters

Prolonged Exposure to Inhaling Asbestos Can and Has Been Proven Fatal

noreply@blogger.com (Arina) — Fri, 17 Apr 2009 08:41:00 +0000

Exposure to Asbestos can result in serious medical complications for its victims. In many cases, the results of prolonged exposure to inhaling asbestos can, and have been proven fatal.

There are strict government regulations regarding a persons exposure to asbestos. Exposure should not exceed a level of 0.1 fibers per cubic centimeter in an eight hour period and should not exceed a level of 1.0 fiber per cubic centimeter in a 30 minute period. Some asbestos fibers can stay air born for up to three days.

Asbestos lawyers Los Angeles, upon determining whether a company is responsible, by negligence, which in turn causes you bodily harm due to overexposure to asbestos, will assist you in getting a compensation settlement you deserve.

Lung fibrosis and mesothelioma, a form of cancer, are just two of the most serious results due to prolonged exposure to asbestos.

Settlement amounts awarded have reached into the thousands, even millions of dollars. But, these dollar amounts can vary greatly from state to state and can also depend on the severity of the damages to the victim as an end result to prolonged exposure to asbestos.

Victims of lung fibrosis or mesothelioma need to act quickly after being diagnosed. Different states may have different time limitations in which to file a case. An expert lawyer in the field of dealing with asbestos cases will be well aware of these statute of limitations. Along with the experience in determining every aspect of your case such as:

• Gathering and studying all medical records showing that you indeed are a victim of asbestos exposure.

Determining whether your prolonged exposure to asbestos was due to negligence on the part of your employer or the company you were working for at the time. Negligence, perhaps meaning that an employer was quite aware of the asbestos but neglected to inform you as a worker.

• Your attorney will negotiate with your employer/company and their insurance company. Keep in mind that most employers and their insurance companies will most likely want to settle on amount to avoid going to court.

• Your attorney will calculate the life-long effects that a victim may have. This indeed can determine the amount of compensation.

Asbestos is not just an occupational hazard.

Your family and people around you can suffer the same disease from exposure. Workers who are not properly outfitted when working with or around asbestos can bring these fibers home on their clothing. This in turn means that people around you are breathing in these fibers. The consequences can be just as deadly over a period of time.

Read more why it's critical to hire the right cancer lawyer. Your attorney must specialize in asbestos cancer. Hiring the wrong asbestos lawyer has cost some folks millions. Read these asbestos lawyer reviews.

Keith Ule

Asbestos, Cancer, and Shipyard Workers

noreply@blogger.com (Arina) — Wed, 15 Apr 2009 08:43:00 +0000

Asbestos exposure can happen in a number of different methods, but most people are exposed to asbestos through workplace or jobsite exposure. There are several different occupations that may increase the risk of exposure to asbestos. Construction and power plant workers, along with metal workers and demolition crews are among those who have an elevated risk of exposure to asbestos. Cancer, and the risk of exposure associated with these professions pales in comparison to risk of cancer and of exposure experienced by shipbuilders and other shipyard workers.

For decades, asbestos was used to insulate various portions of ships. The product's natural insulative and fire-proofing qualities made it a logical choice for this use. Asbestos was used to coat steam pipes, incinerators, and boilers among other high-temperature parts of ships.

Prior to the mid-1970s most workers were unaware of the possible dangers of asbestos exposure and often worked with the material in poorly ventilated areas with little or no protection from the hazardous fibers.

A study conducted by the Mt. Sinai School of Medicine found that 86% of shipyard workers with over 20 years in the field were affected by some form of asbestos-related illness. Asbestos, cancer, and other health complications are now considered to be directly linked.

If you or a loved worked in a shipyard during the time that asbestos was commonly used, between WWII and the Korean War, it is important to be tested. It can take decades for symptoms and ailments to arise from exposure to asbestos, but as with most with most illness early detection can have an enormous impact on the prognosis of the affected individual.

Alice Mills

Human Genome Project For Lung Cancer

noreply@blogger.com (Arina) — Mon, 13 Apr 2009 08:40:00 +0000

The human genome project was started to map the human genome right until the nucleotide level and then identify all the human genes. The genome of human beings is the human genome. A Genome is a full set of chromosomes. Studying this genome can result in a lot of findings that can be applied to cure diseases. One of the primary beneficiaries of this is that the biological changes due to any disease in the genome can be found out and hence therapy can be formulated to battle against cancer due to results from the human genome project for lung cancer.

A study which was the human genome Project for lung cancer was recently conducted by a group of international scientists to study the underlying effects on genes when you have lung cancer. They were effectively trying to map the genetic changes to the lung cancer. The results of this study indicate the presence of a number of undiscovered genes in the lung cancer cells. Apart from this the scientists discovered a critical gene alteration. This provides more targets for therapy. Apart from the increased potential to formulate new strategies for therapy, this increases the knowledge of the biology of lung cancer and thus will be able to answer the question "how does lung cancer begin?" It has served to find the missing pieces of the puzzle and this research is beneficial for other types of cancers too. This is because the findings from this series of tests indicate a general procedure that should be followed for other types of cancer as well.

It is known that lung cancer arises from changes in the DNA that accrue throughout a person's life. Hence studying the human genes and mapping the changes to lung cancer allows the researchers to find out the specific changes that occur in the genes that contribute to lung cancer. It is because of the lack of this knowledge that researchers are not able to find better treatment for cancer. The Human Genome Project for Lung Cancer attempts to bridge this divide and thus make discoveries that can be translated to effective therapy for lung cancer patients. The study conducted by these international scientists has managed to pinpoint the exact gene that regulates the activity of cancer cells. This is a huge step towards understanding the genetic alterations and the effect it has on the cancer. The key goal is to identify vulnerabilities in the cancer cells so that it can be taken advantage of while trying to remove cancer cells from the body. This is possible only by learning as much as possible about the cancer by pinpointing specific genetic changes in the lung. This helps in the drug formulations. With the knowledge that only a select group of cells control cancerous growth, drugs can formulated to specifically target those group of cells hence making the drug extremely effective in removing cancer cells.

This study was just a pilot project for the bigger study to follow. The next Human Genome Project for lung cancer study will try to unearth all the possible genetic causes of lung cancer. The results expected from the next project are expected to be comprehensive and to enhance the knowledge about the genetic causes of lung cancer. It can increase the number of general facts on lung cancer.

You can visit our website for more information about Cancer and Sarcoma. We have a lot of articles about Lung Cancer, Ovarian Cancer, Sarcoma Muscle Cancer, ...

Karl Dorads

Understanding the Symptoms of Mesothelioma

noreply@blogger.com (Arina) — Sat, 11 Apr 2009 08:37:00 +0000

Mesothelioma is a rare form of cancer which affects individuals who have been exposed to asbestos. Mesothelioma is somewhat unusual in that its symptoms are not immediately apparent. In fact, some afflicted patients go as long as 50 years before realizing they have the disease. However, there are a few key symptoms to be aware of.

The most common symptoms of mesothelioma involve the lungs. Patients frequently report shortness of breath or trouble breathing, most often due to the accumulation of fluid in the lungs. This fluid is able to enter the lungs and surrounding areas due to the growth of tumors. As a result of these tumors, patients may also experience varying degrees of pain in the affected area.

Depending on the type of mesothelioma with which a patient is afflicted, other symptoms may vary. The most common type of the disease is known as pleural mesothelioma. In addition to the symptoms above, patients with this form of the condition often experience weight loss, loss of appetite, trouble swallowing, and difficulty sleeping.

For patients with peritoneal mesothelioma, additional symptoms may include abdominal pain, swelling of the abdomen, bowel obstruction, anemia, nausea and fever.

Lastly, patients who have the pericardial form of the condition frequently experience heart irregularities, chest pain and frequent coughing.

In order to successfully diagnose mesothelioma, doctors most often begin with an x-ray of the patient's chest or abdomen. Although not always conclusive, an x-ray will help the physician determine whether or not mesothelioma is a possibility, or whether the patient has another related condition.

In addition, doctors may perform a CAT (CT) scan or MRI to further examine the area in question. Other possible diagnostic procedures include a complete physical examination, blood tests of specific protein levels and biopsy of the abnormal area.

Once a physician makes a positive mesothelioma diagnosis, they will then want to determine the exact stage of the cancer. Determining the stage involves additional testing in order to find out how far the disease has progressed. Once this has been determined, the physician will have the necessary information to determine the best course of treatment for the patient.

For more information on the symptoms of mesothelioma, visit the Williams Kherkher mesothelioma attorneys at http://mesolawsuit.com/

Joseph Devine

Asbestos and Car Components

noreply@blogger.com (Arina) — Thu, 09 Apr 2009 08:38:00 +0000

Asbestos is a deadly fiber that seems to have been used in pretty much every industry since its fire retardant, insulating, and strengthening properties were discovered. One of those industries that used the fiber to a more limited degree is the automobile industry. The automobile industry is known to have included asbestos in the clutches, brake pads, and brake linings of their vehicles for years. For this reason, anyone working on a car should be exceptionally careful.

The clutch, regardless of whether the car has an automatic or standard transmission, is the part of the car that allows the car to shift between its gears. This allows the car to work at higher efficiency in the higher gears. The clutch is a very important piece of a car that is used almost constantly when the car is in use. It needs to be strong and able to withstand the engine's heat. For these reasons, the clutches of many cars contain asbestos.

Any individual that has ever had a clutch replaced on a car knows that it is possible for the clutch to wear out with time and miles. Any item that is subjected to friction will become worn out. The clutch on a car is not an exception. When the friction starts causing the item to break down, dust commonly forms in the area around the clutch. This dust contains asbestos fibers. When the clutch area is opened up for repairs or to check everything out if there's any sort of problem, the dust can be stirred up and released into the surrounding area. Once released, the fibers can be inhaled or swallowed and can contaminate the entire car garage.

Brakes are another huge asbestos problem for mechanics. There is even more wear and tear on brakes that causes the asbestos fibers to be broken down. These fibers are then contained in the brake housing on each wheel. Because the brake pads and the brake linings can both have asbestos in them, there is potentially much more asbestos present in brake repairs than in a clutch.

One thing that mechanics commonly do to clean off the brake housing is apply compressed air to remove all of the dirt and dust. This is the worst thing they could possibly do for their own health when dealing with asbestos fibers. The compressed air expels the dust from the brakes, this is true, but it also sprays it into the air of the car repair garage.

No mechanic, regardless of experience, is able to tell which brake pad or lining or clutch contains asbestos just by looking at the item. Because of this, any mechanic should treat every brake or clutch as containing asbestos and take all necessary precautions.

For more information on the hazards of asbestos, please visit http://www.mesolawsuit.com.

Joseph Devine

New and Experimental Treatments For Mesothelioma

noreply@blogger.com (Arina) — Tue, 07 Apr 2009 08:35:00 +0000

Individuals diagnosed with mesothelioma are often confronted with a confusing array of possible treatment options. Traditional forms of treatment include chemotherapy, radiation, and surgery. However, a number of experimental and alternative treatments are now being investigated by physicians around the world. In some cases, these new treatments are already helping to extend the lives of patients.

Gene therapy is used in conjunction with chemotherapy, in order to increase the possibility of its success. This type of therapy is commonly called suicide gene therapy, because it causes cancer cells to turn against themselves. Other types of gene therapies use alternate methods to reduce cell growth and prevent the cancer from spreading.

Another type of new treatment approach is known as photodynamic therapy (PDT). It is another method of destroying cancer cells by exposing them to a special laser light. The light activates photosensitive medication within the cells, which is taken by the patient prior to exposure. The cells are destroyed once the light reaches them. Unfortunately, this type of treatment is not always effective. In addition, there are several potential side effects, including skin sensitivity and nausea.

There are also several experimental drugs being used to treat mesothelioma. A category of drug known as anti-angiogenesis medications attempt to destroy cancer cells while leaving other cells unharmed. This is possible due to new knowledge about the manner in which cancer cells differ from normal cells. Using these drugs, the need for chemotherapy is reduced.

A final type of experimental treatment is immunotherapy. This method uses the patient's own immune system to kill cancer cells. Normally, our immune systems are unable to distinguish between healthy cells and cancerous cells.

Immunotherapy attempts to enhance a patient's immune system to differentiate between the two, allowing it to fight back against the cancer cells. This is usually accomplished via a vaccine or oral medication. However, this form of treatment is quite new and doctors are still working to determine its viability.

To learn more about this disease and the methods available for treatment, visit the Williams Kherkher mesothelioma attorney at http://mesolawsuit.com/

Joseph Devine

Mesothelioma and Life Expectancy

noreply@blogger.com (Arina) — Sun, 05 Apr 2009 08:36:00 +0000

Mesothelioma is a rare form of cancer, usually caused by exposure to asbestos. When an individual is diagnosed with the disease, there are many questions which will invariably go through their mind. Perhaps the most important one involves the patient's prognosis. That is, what is the life expectancy for someone diagnosed with mesothelioma?

As with any form of cancer, the survival rate for this condition is heavily dependent on how early it is diagnosed. If the disease is already in an advanced state when it is first detected, it will require far more aggressive treatment, with a reduced chance of success.

Unfortunately, the survival rate for mesothelioma has historically been rather low. Many patients do not survive longer than one year after diagnosis. The disease has often spread significantly before it is diagnosed, making it that much more difficult to treat. This is due to the fact that an individual exposed to asbestos can live for decades before any noticeable symptoms present themselves.

In addition, patients diagnosed with mesothelioma are often 55 years of age or older, and may have other medical conditions which complicate their treatment.

The good news is that there are many long-term survivors of mesothelioma, some of whom have lived a decade or more following diagnosis. Some doctors believe these patients survive longer not because of their particular treatment method, but because of other health characteristics specific to the individual. In general, healthier patients with no other existing medical conditions are more likely to survive longer than those with additional diseases and afflictions.

In terms of raw numbers, statistics show that about 10 percent of individuals with mesothelioma live for at least five years after being diagnosed. About 40 percent of those diagnosed survive for at least one year. These numbers are significantly higher than they were just 20 years ago, giving hope to doctors and patients alike.

A few of the other factors that affect survival rates include the specific type of mesothelioma with which an individual is diagnosed, the size and location of their tumor, and whether or not the patient is a smoker. These factors are in addition to the patient's age, any existing medical conditions they may have, and severity of the cancer itself.

For more information on life expectancy and treatment options, visit the mesothelioma attorneys at http://mesolawsuit.com/

Joseph Devine

Why is Mesothelioma So Deadly?

noreply@blogger.com (Arina) — Fri, 03 Apr 2009 08:34:00 +0000

Mesothelioma, cancer of the mesothelium, is caused by exposure to asbestos. The disease can take decades to appear or to develop to the point that it is detectable. Once it forms, it takes time for the disease to be diagnosed and then treated. So why, exactly, is it so deadly?

One of the biggest problems with the disease is that it takes what seems like forever, to those who have been exposed to asbestos, to show up in tests. The disease usually takes around 20 years to develop but has been known to wait around 40 years to develop. What this means is that a person who knows he or she has been exposed to asbestos can wait a long time before a test shows anything either abnormal or serious.

This long period of inactivity means that individuals who do not know that they have been exposed to asbestos may ignore early signs and symptoms of the disease and explain them away as bronchitis or something else that will go away with time. This means that by the time they go see a doctor because they feel awful and can't breathe very well, the disease has progressed to the later stages.

Like all cancer, there is something very important in treatment about catching the disease early and getting treatment started as soon as possible. When a cancer is detected early and then treated early, the chances that it will be cured and the person's life saved go up drastically. The later cancer is detected in a person, the lower, usually, his or her chances of survival are.

Part of this is due to cancer's very aggressive nature. The unregulated growth of cancerous cells can quickly take over. Worse, in cancers located near major blood supplies or other fluid systems within the body, these cells can break away from the pack and end up halfway across the body and start a new colony.

Because most mesothelioma patients wait to see a doctor until they are having serious problems, they put themselves at risk and lower the chances that there is any hope for treatment. By the time most people go to see the doctor, the cancer has gotten to the point that it is inoperable. Chemotherapy and radiation can only do so much to kill cancer.

If you think that you might have been exposed to asbestos, it is imperative to tell your doctor so that he or she can monitor the situation and, potentially, detect cancer early. For more information on the disease and where asbestos is commonly found, please visit http://www.mesolawsuit.com.

Joseph Devine

Understanding the Causes of Mesothelioma

noreply@blogger.com (Arina) — Wed, 01 Apr 2009 08:32:00 +0000

The most common cause of mesothelioma is exposure to asbestos. In nearly all cases, those infected have been either directly or indirectly exposed to this mineral substance. Asbestos was commonly used as an insulation material, due to its strength and resistance to heat and fire. It was also used in ship-building and in common household appliances.

It wasn't until the 1960s that doctors first noticed the health risks posed by asbestos. At that time, they saw a flurry of patients with similar occupational backgrounds reporting the same set of symptoms. As a result, physicians were able to prove the link between asbestos and mesothelioma.

The individuals most likely to have come into contact with asbestos include construction workers, factory workers, miners, shipbuilders, plumbers and electricians. In addition to workers who had direct contact with asbestos, the family members of these individuals were often indirectly exposed as well.

The danger posed by asbestos is due to the fact that it is made up of hundreds of tiny fibers. When the material is disturbed, these fine fibers are released and enter the lungs of those nearby. Because they are so small, the fibers get stuck in the lungs and cannot be coughed out or released via normal breathing. The body's immune system unsuccessfully attempts to destroy the fibers, which results in inflammation of the lung tissue.

Asbestos fibers may also be swallowed, at which point they get stuck in the digestive tract. This results in the less common peritoneal form of mesothelioma, which affects the lining of the abdomen. The rarest form of the condition is the pericardial type, which affects the lining of the heart.

As a result of medical research and public outcry, the use of asbestos was regulated by the Clean Air Act of 1970. In 1989, the United States Environmental Protection Agency issued an outright ban of the material. Since that time, the ban has overturned, and certain products containing trace amounts of asbestos are still allowed under United States law.

If you have questions about asbestos exposure, visit the mesothelioma attorneys of http://mesolawsuit.com/ for more information.

Joseph Devine